inwardly
/'inwədli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: - With respect to private feelings or thoughts; internally, not outwardly expressed: Refers to something that is felt, thought, or experienced within one's own mind or heart, without being shown on the outside.
Usage
The adverb "inwardly" is used to describe an action, feeling, or thought that occurs inside a person, hidden from external view. It often modifies verbs related to emotion, reaction, or thought (e.g., sigh, rage, laugh, think). It emphasizes the contrast between a person's internal state and their external appearance or actions.
Examples
- (Her external smile concealed her internal anger.)
- (He thought congratulations to himself without saying them out loud.)
- (Her external calmness hid her internal panic.)
Advanced Usage
- "To laugh/cry/sigh inwardly": To experience laughter, sadness, or a sigh internally without expressing it physically.
- When he tripped over his own words, I inwardly laughed.
- "To turn one's thoughts/feelings inwardly": To direct one's focus or reflection internally.
- After the criticism, she inwardly turned her thoughts to examine her own mistakes.
Variants and Related Words
- Inward (adjective): Directed or moving towards the inside; situated within. Also relating to the mind or spirit.
- an inward journey, inward peace
- Inwardness (noun): The quality of being inward; preoccupation with one's own thoughts or feelings.
Synonyms
- Internally: Within; inside.
- Privately: In a private manner; not publicly.
- Secretly: In a way that is kept hidden from others.
- Within: Inside (used more figuratively for feelings).
Antonyms
- Outwardly: On the surface; as far as external appearance is concerned.
- Openly: Without concealment; publicly.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To bleed inwardly: To suffer deep emotional pain in secret.
- After the loss, he bled inwardly for months.
- To look inwardly: To introspect; to examine one's own thoughts and feelings.
- The retreat was a chance to look inwardly and reflect.
Adverb
- with respect to private feelings
- inwardly, she was raging